Top 5 Best Places Visiting in Dhar – Forts, Temples & Historical Marvels

1.Bhopawar Jain Tirth

Visitors can find Bhopawar Jain Tirth located 6 kms away from the Sardarpur tehsil headquarter in Dhar district. This Quiet and serene place stands out due to its recently restored temple of Lord Shantinath. As a result of its Somnath temple architecture Bhopawar remains among the most exquisite temple structures in Dhar district. The foundation legend of Bhopawar town claims that Rukmi established this settlement after running away with Rukmini before her wedding to Krishna. A legend describes Rukmins plea to Krishna for protection against her forced marriage to Shishupal which inspired Krishna to spectacularly abduct her from Amjhera on his journey toward Dwarika. Rukmi swore to return home to Amjhera only after killing Lord Krishna because he was intent on blocking Krishna from taking Rukmini away. Krishna released Rukmi after their difficult battle because Rukmini asked him to do so. Rukmi made good on his promise to never return to Amjhera by founding Bhopawar with the name Bhoj Koot. During Dwapar yug this city existed as an attractive flourishing settlement. Rukmi built a grand temple here and installed 12 feet high idol of Lord Shantinath. this impressive and grand idol is unique in every sense. present temple is a double storeyed structure with beautiful interiors, sculptures in terms of carved pillars, beautifully designed wooden gates, striking floral patterns on the floor and steps made of marble, in a way an immaculate architectural wonder. if the outer Structure resembles the legendary somnath Jyotirlinga temple, the inner sturucture has a stark resemblance to the world famous Dilwara jain temple at Mount Abu. The local people affirm they have repeatedly observed a six-foot-long snake completing a religious temple stroll around the temple structure. Every year Bhopawar conducts a prestigious temple event on paush-dashmi which attracts numerous worshippers regardless of their societal categories.

2.Mohan Kheda Jain Tirth

Most or Famously known in Jain temples on the land of Dhar district is Mohankheda Jain temples. 50 km from Dhar and about 7 km Sardarpur Tehsil Mohankheda Jain temples are a small town in itself, primarily built white marble. How the tirth came in existence is also linked to the name of Dada Gurudev, Shrimad Vijay Rajendrasurishwar Maharaj Sahab. When he was passing by through this place he had no feeling seeing its beautiful nature and peaceful atmosphere that a temple should be constructed in the hill of Mohankhcdn area. It was under his guidance and inspiration a temple was constructed at Mohankheda along with Lord Adinath as the moolnayak in the year 1884. The temple was refurbished in the year 1957 when a temple of three shikhar marble structure over the sanctum sanctorum was constructed. Lord of the Lords, Adinath in Lotus posture is the main deity of Mohankheda tirth. On the left side of the main temple a 16 ft long idol of Lord Adinath in the form of Kayotsarg posture (mature in standing form) is an eye candy. A beautiful Samadhi temple of Rajendrasurishwar Maharaj sahab is there in the temple. The inside of the Samadhi temple is of gold and is awe-inspiring. Mohankheda has today been developed into a grand Jain pilgrimage center of three big rest houses having rooms 250 for the comfort of the visitors. It is counted among the most frequented Jain Temples in the country. There is also one academic school operated by the trust.

3.Dhareshwar Temple

At the heart of the city there is the Dhareshwar Temple, the principal Shiva temple of Dhar. It is an ancient temple and built by king Munj of princely state Parmar. A shivalingam was established here and the temple was subsequently built around the holy stones. It is said Dhar township is built around this slightly named temple. Dhareshwar Temple is ramified with various prosperous stories. It is said that even Raja Bhoj in the prelude to his political activities, used to visit Dhareshwar Temple every day. During the month of auspicious sawan (rainy season) Lord Dharnath’s sawari or (Chhabina) also passes over the city and bless the people of the town. During his tenure, Raja Bhoj while with God’s idol in a palki used to take a procession with the devotees along. Currently the temple is renovated and its beautiful Landscape with large green lawns and fountain attracted a lot of tourists in the temple. Even today during the month of sawan, when Lord Dharnath goes for a walk in his shahi sawari gets a guard of honours from police force. But the temple has been restored repeatedly and at present, has been adorned with the beautiful idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and Mata Tripura Sundari. This temple has been an important object of the cult practices for the practitioners. It is believed that Sages like Swami Nityanand and Kalyan Baba acquired such powers at this sacred place through the devotion and meditation. A Saint Dudharu Baba also meditated here in 1980s he used to teach Vedas Jyotish and cult education to Brahmin Children. Dudharu Baba was known to be only drinking milk in his food and never ate any type of grains. Dhareshwar temple occupies much space in the hearts and mind of people of Dhar and devotees not only visit the temple on regular basis.

4.Lat Masjid

Locates in the Outskirts of the city of Dhar is Lat masjid, iron pillar mosque. Built in 1405 A.D. by the then Governor of Malwa province of Control India – Dilawar Khan – the Lat Masjid was christened after the fantastic iron pillar erected at the very time in its premises. This Wrought Iron pillar that in consonance has been fragmented in itself, a marvel even because from each & every day since eternities it is exposed to open area, airflow water & moisture. It has managed to preserve its shine and glory. There is no evidence of rust or degrade from rust until today. Lat Masjid is also known to be constructed to celebrate the victory of Dilawar Khan. It has fabulous entry doors as well as fixed pillars, multiple demos. The interior as well as the design of the mosque has a resemblance to jami masjid of Mandu. The windows and pillars of lat masjid are beautifully carvings and though everything silently gives a perfect join of mughal and Rajput architectural style, the history of historic events seem brought alive. The three gate of the monument finished with special inscriptions inscribed to Eastern and Northern gates.

5.Bhaktamar Tirth

About 18 km from Dhar and located by the side of an iron pillar is the famous Lat Masjid mosque. Constructed in the year 1405 A.D., by the governor of province of Malwa, Control India, Lat Masjid was named after the grand iron pillar raised then in its premises. This broken wrought iron pillar itself is an amazing thing, as even after a long time, it is lying open upon air, water and exposure. It has stood the test of their times and has been able to provide a sparkle and glory to it. There is no sign of any rust or such decay till today. Lat Masjid is also regarded as built in the commemoration of the conquest of Dilawar Khan. It has beautiful entrance doors with carving of pillar in various demos. The walls of the interior of the mosque have resemblance to the style of jami masjid of Mandu. Windows and pillars of lat masjid are beautifully ingraved and it’s visible that when mughal and rajput style of architect have given their soulless a perfect touch and historic times has quietly being go on. The three windows of the monument are inscribed with a different inscription on the East and North windows.

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